TAC Cup 2018: Northern Knights midfielder Tom McKenzie’s versatility a selling point for AFL clubs

THE versatility Tom McKenzie displayed during the Under-18 National Championships will make him more appealing to AFL recruiters, according to Vic Metro coach Martin Allison.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Tom McKenzie of Vic Metro runs during the U18 match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 24, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/AFL Media/Getty Images)

THE versatility Tom McKenzie displayed during the Under-18 National Championships will make him more appealing to AFL recruiters, according to Vic Metro coach Martin Allison.

The Northern Knights on-baller started the national carnival in Metro’s midfield but was deployed as a defender in the later rounds.

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Allison said McKenzie’s ability to adapt quickly to a backline role would have been noted by AFL clubs.

“Tom finished up in the backline and that freed him up a bit,” Allison said.

“He certainly enhanced his chances from a recruiting perspective.

“He actually showed he can play in two different spots and that’s a real key characteristic recruiters are looking for. Not just to be one-dimensional, to be able to play in multiple positions.”

Tom McKenzie dashes away from half back for Vic Metro. Picture: Getty Images.

Allison said McKenzie, a Fitzroy junior, had been “one of our best players” after he was given more freedom in the back half.

Preston Bullants junior Tom Hallebone was Vic Metro’s first-choice ruckman for much of the championships.

At 201cm and 83kg, Hallebone’s physicality remains one of the areas he must improve, according to Allison.

“He wants to improve and wants to get better,” he said.

“That might take a few more years for him to be in the bracket of ruckman who could be considered to be drafted.”

Knights ruckman Tom Hallebone is considered a long-term prospect. Picture: Chris Eastman.

Allison said the developing 17-year-old big man could benefit from gaining experience at state league level.

“He might get drafted in November, who knows? But if he doesn’t get drafted, for him to go on, he needs to get himself into the VFL,” he said.

Allison said “marking around the ground”, “follow-up work” and “getting involved in some chains” would take Hallebone’s game to another level.

“There’s a whole different skill set for rucks AFL clubs are looking for that big players need to learn and it takes a bit longer,” he said.

Bottom-age Knight and Montmorency product Ryan Gardner was given a taste of representative football during the carnival.

Mark Baker was the other Northern Knights player chosen in the initial squad, but missed out due to injury.